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Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has signed an interim exemption allowing skippers with Inshore Launch Master (ILM) certificates to operate their vessels within their certified coastal limits out to 12nm off the coast of New Zealand, including crossing Cook Strait.
The exemption (signed on 9 November) follows MNZ proposing a new operating limit, known as the Inshore Fishing Limit, under Rule Part 31C . The exemption automatically applies to vessels assigned restricted coastal operating limits, or greater, on their Safe Ship Management certificates. It does not apply to vessels assigned inshore limits only.
Chatham Island owners/skippers of vessels 6 m to 20 m already assigned restricted coastal operating limits also qualify under the exemption, allowing them to fish up to 12nm from land, provided skippers hold ILMs, or equivalent.
The exemption now allows these fishing vessels to be skippered by an ILM certificate holder, provided the vessel remains within 12 miles of the coast of the North and South Islands, Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. The exemption does not allow a fishing vessel to be operated outside the operating limits assigned to that vessel.
The exemption only removes the requirement for the skipper to hold a New Zealand Offshore Watchkeeper endorsement while operating out to 12 miles from the coast, outside the inshore area.
In addition, the exemption also does not permit a certificate holder to operate a vessel beyond the limits endorsed on that certificate.
